Is Blimpies Still in Business? A Deep Dive into the Submarine Sandwich Saga

Yes, Blimpies is indeed still in business, though its landscape looks drastically different than its 1960s heyday. While the brand isn’t as ubiquitous as giants like Subway or Jersey Mike’s, it persists, a testament to the enduring appeal of a well-made submarine sandwich and the complexities of the franchise world. This isn’t just a simple “yes” or “no” answer; it’s a nuanced story of ownership changes, market competition, and the ever-evolving tastes of the American consumer.

The Blimpies Journey: From Hoboken to Global (and Back Again)

Blimpies, originally known as Blimpie Base, first opened its doors in Hoboken, New Jersey, in 1964. The founders, Tony Conza, Peter DeCarlo, and Angelo Baldassare, envisioned a sandwich shop with a distinct focus on quality ingredients and a uniquely flavored oil and vinegar dressing. The “Blimpie Best” quickly became a local favorite.

Franchising and Expansion

The 1970s and 80s saw Blimpies embrace the franchise model, fueling rapid expansion across the United States and even internationally. The brand cultivated a reputation for fresh ingredients, signature sandwiches, and a relatively affordable price point, attracting a loyal customer base. At its peak, Blimpies boasted hundreds of locations, a recognizable brand, and a prominent position in the fast-casual sandwich market.

Challenges and Ownership Changes

However, the road wasn’t always smooth sailing. Stiff competition from larger, more aggressively marketed chains like Subway, coupled with internal management issues and shifting consumer preferences, began to take a toll. The brand underwent several ownership changes, each attempting to revitalize the Blimpies image and regain lost market share.

• Allied Domecq: Briefly owned Blimpies in the late 1990s, focusing on standardization and operational efficiency.
• AFC Enterprises (now Focus Brands): Acquired Blimpies in 2002. Focus Brands, known for managing a diverse portfolio of food franchises including Carvel, Cinnabon, and Moe’s Southwest Grill, initially aimed to leverage its resources to boost Blimpies’ performance.

The Focus Brands Era and Co-Branding

Under Focus Brands, Blimpies experienced a period of relative stability. A key strategy was co-branding, often placing Blimpies locations within existing Focus Brands outlets like Carvel. This approach allowed franchisees to diversify their offerings and potentially attract a wider customer base. However, it also meant that standalone Blimpies locations became increasingly rare.

Where is Blimpies Today?

Today, while Blimpies is still operational, its footprint is significantly smaller than in its glory days. The number of locations has dwindled considerably, with a concentration in certain regions and often found within the aforementioned co-branded settings. The menu has evolved to incorporate new offerings while retaining classic favorites like the “Blimpie Best.”

The continued existence of Blimpies is a testament to the enduring power of nostalgia and the dedicated franchisees who believe in the brand. While it may not be the dominant force it once was, Blimpies remains a player in the sandwich game, adapting to the challenges of the 21st-century market.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Blimpies

Here are 12 frequently asked questions about Blimpies, providing further insights into the brand’s current state and its history:

1. How many Blimpies locations are there currently?

The exact number fluctuates, but estimates generally place the number of Blimpies locations significantly lower than its peak, likely in the low hundreds. It’s best to check the Blimpies website or use their store locator for the most up-to-date information.

2. What happened to all the Blimpies restaurants? Why are there so few now?

Several factors contributed to the decline in Blimpies locations. Increased competition from other sandwich chains, internal management issues, economic downturns, and the changing tastes of consumers all played a role. The co-branding strategy, while helpful for some franchisees, also reduced the need for standalone Blimpies restaurants.

3. Is Blimpies owned by Subway?

No, Blimpies is not owned by Subway. Blimpies is owned by Focus Brands, a company that manages a portfolio of different food franchise restaurants.

4. Does Blimpies still offer the “Blimpie Best” sandwich?

Yes, the “Blimpie Best” is still a staple on the Blimpies menu. It’s considered a classic and remains a popular choice among customers. However, the exact ingredients and preparation may vary slightly depending on the location.

5. Are Blimpies sandwiches better than Subway or Jersey Mike’s?

That’s a matter of personal preference! Blimpies offers a unique flavor profile, particularly with its oil and vinegar dressing. Some prefer the freshness of Jersey Mike’s, while others favor the customizable options at Subway. It really comes down to individual taste and what you’re looking for in a sandwich.

6. Does Blimpies offer online ordering and delivery?

Many Blimpies locations now offer online ordering and delivery, often through third-party services like Grubhub, Uber Eats, and DoorDash. It’s best to check with your local Blimpies to confirm their specific offerings.

7. What ingredients does Blimpies use in their sandwiches?

Blimpies typically uses a variety of meats (such as ham, turkey, roast beef, and salami), cheeses (such as provolone, Swiss, and cheddar), and fresh vegetables (such as lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and peppers). Their signature oil and vinegar dressing is a key ingredient that distinguishes their sandwiches. The specific ingredients may vary depending on the sandwich and location.

8. How did Blimpies get its name?

There are several theories, but the most widely accepted one is that the name “Blimpie” was inspired by the shape of a blimp or dirigible, which resembles the long, cylindrical shape of a submarine sandwich.

9. Does Blimpies have a loyalty program or rewards app?

Focus Brands occasionally offers promotions or loyalty programs that include Blimpies. However, the availability of a dedicated Blimpies loyalty program may vary. Check the Blimpies website or ask your local franchisee for details.

10. Are there any Blimpies locations outside of the United States?

At one point, Blimpies had international locations. However, today the number of international locations is negligible compared to what it used to be. Focus Brands has focused on the US market.

11. How can I find a Blimpies near me?

The easiest way to find a Blimpies location is to use the store locator on the official Blimpies website. You can also try searching online using keywords like “Blimpies near me” in your preferred search engine.

12. What is the future of Blimpies?

The future of Blimpies is uncertain. It will likely continue to exist, primarily through co-branded locations and a focus on maintaining its core menu offerings. Whether the brand can regain its former prominence remains to be seen, but the enduring appeal of a classic submarine sandwich may just give it the fighting chance it needs to succeed in the modern market.